Broiled Mexican Street Corn

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Broiled Mexican street corn is a dish that lets you sink your teeth into sweet, juicy corn, perfectly charred and bursting with flavor. This recipe brings the vibrant, festive flavors of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. 

At the heart of this dish is Cojita cheese, a crumbly and salty cheese that adds a unique touch. If you can’t find Cojita, don’t worry—crumbled Feta works just as well. The corn is slathered in a mouthwatering blend of Mexican crema (or sour cream) and mayonnaise, mixed with fresh cilantro and a homemade taco seasoning for an extra kick.

In just 30 minutes, you can have this delicious street corn ready to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a fun way to jazz up dinner, this broiled Mexican street corn is sure to be a hit. So, grab some corn, and let’s get cooking!

What is Broiled Mexican Street Corn?

Broiled Mexican Street Corn is a delicious dish featuring sweet corn that’s broiled until slightly charred, then slathered in a mixture of Mexican crema (or sour cream) and mayonnaise. This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, such as grilled meats like chicken fajitas, steak, pork chops, or grilled shrimp. It also complements traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. 

Broiled Mexican Street Corn Ingredients

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this recipe yields 6 ears of delicious, flavorful corn. The ingredients needed for this recipe include:

• Large Ears of Corn – The main ingredient, providing the sweet and juicy base for the dish.
• Unsalted Butter – Used to brush the corn before broiling, adding richness and helping achieve that perfect char.
• Mexican Crema or Sour Cream – Forms part of the creamy mixture slathered on the corn, adding tanginess.
• Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and helps the seasoning stick to the corn.
• Fresh Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
• Taco Seasoning – A homemade blend of spices including chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoning gives the corn its bold, spicy flavor.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Cojita Cheese – A crumbly, salty cheese that adds a unique, authentic Mexican touch. Feta can be used as a substitute if Cojita is unavailable.
• Ground Chipotle or Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky, slightly spicy finish to the corn.

How to Make Broiled Mexican Street Corn?

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious side dish that will impress your family and friends.

1. Place the top oven rack in the second position from the top and preheat the broiler to “High.” Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.
2. Husk the corn and remove all the silk. Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining silk and pat dry. Arrange the corn on the prepared baking sheet and brush with melted butter on all sides.
3. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 5-6 minutes, or until the top of the corn is slightly charred. Remove from the oven and carefully rotate the corn one-third of the way around before placing it under the broiler again. Broil for another 5-6 minutes, then rotate and broil for another 5-6 minutes, for a total cook time of 15-18 minutes.
4. While the corn is broiling, prepare the taco seasoning by combining chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, combine Mexican crema (or sour cream), mayonnaise, and two tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Add one tablespoon of the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Set aside.
6. Remove the broiled corn from the oven and brush it evenly with the seasoned crema mixture. Use all of it or just a thin layer according to your preference. 
7. Serve immediately topped with crumbled Cojita cheese, the remaining cilantro, and a sprinkle of ground chipotle or smoked paprika. Enjoy your flavorful Broiled Mexican Street Corn!

Tips For Making This Recipe

Follow these tips to help ensure your Broiled Mexican Street Corn turns out delicious and impressive every time.

• Choose Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season corn. The sweetness and juiciness of fresh corn make a big difference in the final dish.
• Remove All Silk: Ensure all the silk is removed from the corn before broiling. Any remaining silk can burn and affect the taste.
• Even Butter Coating: Brush the melted butter evenly on all sides of the corn. This helps the corn char nicely and enhances its flavor.
• Monitor the Broiling: Keep a close eye on the corn while it’s broiling. It can quickly go from perfectly charred to burnt.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the corn immediately after applying the crema mixture and toppings. The warmth of the corn enhances the flavors of the toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do they call it street corn?

They call it “street corn” because this popular dish is traditionally sold by street vendors in Mexico. Known as “elote” in Spanish, it is commonly found at street markets, fairs, and roadside stands throughout Mexico. The term “street corn” reflects its origins as a convenient and delicious street food that can be enjoyed on the go.

Can I use parmesan instead of cotija?

You can use Parmesan instead of Cojita cheese in Broiled Mexican Street Corn. While Cojita has a distinct crumbly texture and salty flavor that is traditional to this dish, Parmesan also offers a salty, umami flavor that can complement the other ingredients well. Just be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

How long does Mexican street corn last in the fridge?

Mexican street corn can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days if handled and stored correctly. After enjoying this popular street food, it’s essential to allow any leftover corn to cool to room temperature before storing it. Once cooled, transfer the corn to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out. 

Stored this way, it should stay safe to eat for several days. When you’re ready to eat the leftover elote again, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. As always, use your discretion and discard any corn that appears spoiled or has an unpleasant odor before consuming.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of broiled Mexican street corn with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether freshly made or saved for later, the combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, and savory toppings is sure to please your taste buds. 

Give it a try, savor the flavors, and share your experience with friends and family. Don’t forget to rate and spread the word about this delicious dish—it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to summer barbecues!